Arbdeen: A spiritual journey of self-discovery in Iraq

Ever since the two Gulf Wars, Iraq has been associated with violence, death and destruction. But the ancient land has many other facets, linked to culture, heritage and spirituality as the country is home to some of the oldest civilisations and is also the land where millions of Muslims come every year for Arbaeen, a journey of self-discovery. While in Iraq for the spiritual experiences, they also get to visit the real Iraq, a land of ancient cities, lost empires and unmatched generosity.

- RASHIDA AFSAR

They say never judge a book by its cover, yet Iraq is a country that has long been judged or rather misjudged and misunderstood by the world for decades, notably since the 2nd Gulf War. For many, Iraq is a synonym for conflict and hardship, a place defined by headlines of violence rather than the lives, rich history and heritage of the people who call it home.

The real Iraq, which lies hidden even today, is one of the cradles of humanity, where civilisations like the Mesopotamia and Sumer blossomed and where King Hammurabi wrote the oldest and longest code of laws and which have survived even today.

Iraq is also a land of spirituality and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world, with cities like Karbala and Najaf attracting tens of millions of believers. One of the biggest spiritual draws of Iraq is the spiritual walk of Arbaeen, one which displays an entirely different Iraq, where doors, like the minds and hearts, are open, hands are outstretched and generosity knows no bounds.

Every year, over 20 million pilgrims from around the world take part in the Arbaeen pilgrimage, almost 10 times as much as those who perform the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Despite its significance, few non-believers are aware of Arbaeen. Arbaeen occurs 40 days after the 10th day of Muharram, which marks the day when Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

His defiance against tyranny made Karbala a lasting symbol of justice and sacrifice. Today, millions walk to honour his memory, retracing the journey of his family and companions, who were taken as captives to Damascus.